Updated August 3, 2020
A message to families from Anita Murphy, Capital Region BOCES’ District Superintendent:
As you may know, on June 5 Governor Cuomo announced that Extended School Year (ESY) programs for students may be offered onsite this summer. Since receiving this news, we have carefully considered whether this a workable possibility for our students and the programs we offer.
Ensuring the safety of our students and the staff who support them is of the utmost importance to us. This is true at all times that students are in our care and learning with us, but particularly during a health crisis such as the one we are still experiencing.
This summer we will use primarily a remote learning approach; however, one day a week, your child’s teacher and a related service provider will visit your home. This time will allow for our teachers to check in with students and deliver a form of abbreviated instruction, as well as the ability for the teachers to drop off learning materials and consult with parents.
To support the health and safety of our students and staff, everyone must complete a mandatory health screening assessment prior to home visits. Any employee or student who answers “yes” to any of the four required screening tool questions related to their exposure to COVID-19 is prohibited from participating with in-person sessions, as required by the NYS Department of Health. The screening can be completed online via any internet-enabled phone or electronic device, effective July 6. No individual health data will be collected or stored. As always, if you are concerned about any underlying medical conditions, please consult with your medical health care provider. Parents: review step-by-step directions for using the health screening tool.
We truly believe this blended format will give your child an enriching summer experience. Our Special Education team has been preparing for this option, and will soon have details to share about what summer learning will look like for your child and family.
Thank you for your flexibility and understanding as we carefully move through this health crisis. We truly appreciate your support and having you entrust us to your child’s education.
Questions & Answers Regarding ESY
Will the provider come into my home?
No. The teachers and providers will meet with the student in open air space, outdoors so that they can socially distance to the greatest extent possible.
What will the visit look like?
The visits will be brief, 15 – 20 minutes in length. The teacher and providers will be doing a short mini-lesson that targets a goal or skill on your child’s IEP outside. We ask that a parent/guardian or caregiver is present during this mini-lesson to assure safety. Teachers and providers will also collect work and drop off new instructional materials for the upcoming weekly lessons. Recordings, activities, and resources will be available through google classroom on the day of the visit as well.
What happens if I am not able to be home?
A parent, guardian, or care provider will need to be home and available during the entire home visit. If you or another adult is not able to be home or available, please let the teacher or principal know as soon as possible as the visit will need to be rescheduled.
How do we know everyone is healthy for this visit?
Teachers and providers will need to complete a self-screening prior to any visit. Parents will also need to complete a self-screening for their child on the morning of the scheduled visit by 7 a.m. This will be done through a web application on your phone or computer.
- Follow step-by-step directions for the health screening tool.
- Direct link to complete the health screening tool for students on days of home visits.
How will I know when the visit is?
Your child’s teacher will let you know a date and approximate time for the visit. They will do their best to keep to the scheduled time and will alert you with any drastic changes.
What happens if it is raining or storming?
The teacher/providers will address this on a case by case basis and make a plan with you that works for everyone.
COVID-19 Information for ESY Home Visits
If you experience any of the COVID-19 symptoms listed below within 72 hours of the Extended School Year home visit, please do the following as soon as possible:
- Send an email to hrcovid19@neric.org or call the CRB HR Director: Carol Ratigan, 518-862-4910
- Visit your healthcare provider for assessment, testing and further instructions.
- Contact your local Department of Health (web links and contact information are below) and cooperate with your local health department contact tracing efforts.
COVID-19 symptoms:
- cough
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- fever
- chills
- repeated shaking with chills
- muscle pain
- headache
- sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell
*Only if the symptoms you have experienced are of greater intensity or frequency than what you normally experience.
County Health Information
Albany County Department of Health
https://www.albanycounty.com/departments/health
Phone: 518-447-4580
Fax: 518-447-4698
Clinton County Department of Health
http://www.clintonhealth.org/#xl_xr_page_home
Phone: 518-565-4840
Fax: 518-565-4717
Saratoga County Public Health Services
https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/publichealth/
Phone: 518-584-7460
Fax: 518-583-1202
Schenectady County Public Health Services
https://www.schenectadycounty.com/publichealth
Phone: 518-386-2824
Fax: 518-382-5418
Schoharie County Department of Health
https://www4.schohariecounty-ny.gov/departments/public-health/
Phone: 518-295-8365
Fax: 518-295-8786
If your county is not listed here, please visit the County Health Officials of New York (NYSACHO) directory website for a list of counties with contact information for each.